Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder issued directives to follow during paddy harvesting and rice procurement as the government will procure 8 lakh metric tons of paddy and 11.5 lakh metric tons of rice across the country during the current season. He asked officials concerned to ensure health check-up of the labourers engaged in paddy harvesting during the Boro season. The minister issued the directives on Wednesday when he was exchanging views with Deputy Commissioner (DC), Superintendent of Police (SP) and officials of food, agriculture and health departments of Naogaon district through a video conference from his residence in the city.
The minister asked the officials to take necessary measures forming separate teams for all of the 11 upazilas of the district. The procurement of paddy and rice will start from April 26 simultaneously across the country, he added.
The minister also asked the officials to remain vigilant so that the farmers do not face any hassle during the supply of paddy to the government warehouses.
He suggested harvesting food grains in accordance with the government’s instructions and health guidelines to combat the COVID-19. Sadhan provided masks, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and thermal scanners of his own to the labourers of Naogaon.
